Phenylalkylcarboxylic acid delivery agents

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides phenylalkylcarboxylic acid compounds and compositions containing such compounds which facilitate the delivery of biologically active agents.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/198,392, filed Jun. 30, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/474,491, filed May 17, 2012, now abandoned,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/522,464,filed Oct. 14, 2009, now abandoned, which is the U.S. national phase ofInternational Application No. PCT/US08/53429, filed Feb. 8, 2008, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/888,927, filedFeb. 8, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates phenylalkylcarboxylic acid compounds andcompositions which facilitate the delivery of active agents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional means for delivering active agents are often severelylimited by biological, chemical and physical barriers. Typically, thesebarriers are imposed by the environment through which delivery occurs,the environment of the target for delivery, and/or the target itself.Biologically and chemically active agents are particularly vulnerable tosuch barriers.

In the delivery to animals of biologically active and chemically activepharmacological and therapeutic agents, barriers are imposed by thebody. Examples of physical barriers are the skin, lipid bi-layers andvarious organ membranes that are relatively impermeable to certainactive agents but must be traversed before reaching a target, such asthe circulatory system. Chemical barriers include, but are not limitedto, pH variations in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and degradingenzymes.

These barriers are of particular significance in the design of oraldelivery systems. Oral delivery of many biologically or chemicallyactive agents would be the route of choice for administration to animalsif not for biological, chemical, and physical barriers. Among thenumerous agents which are not typically amenable to oral administrationare biologically or chemically active peptides, such as calcitonin andinsulin; polysaccharides, and in particular mucopolysaccharidesincluding, but not limited to, heparin; heparinoids; antibiotics; andother organic substances. These agents may be rapidly renderedineffective or destroyed in the gastro-intestinal tract by acidhydrolysis, enzymes, and the like. In addition, the size and structureof macromolecular drugs may prohibit absorption.

Earlier methods for orally administering vulnerable pharmacologicalagents have relied on the co-administration of adjuvants (e.g.,resorcinols and non-ionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene oleylether and n-hexadecylpolyethylene ether) to increase artificially thepermeability of the intestinal walls, as well as the co-administrationof enzymatic inhibitors (e.g., pancreatic trypsin inhibitors,diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFF) and trasylol) to inhibit enzymaticdegradation. Liposomes have also been described as drug delivery systemsfor insulin and heparin. However, broad spectrum use of such drugdelivery systems is precluded because: (1) the systems require toxicamounts of adjuvants or inhibitors; (2) suitable low molecular weightcargos, i.e. active agents, are not available; (3) the systems exhibitpoor stability and inadequate shelf life; (4) the systems are difficultto manufacture; (5) the systems fail to protect the active agent(cargo); (6) the systems adversely alter the active agent; or (7) thesystems fail to allow or promote absorption of the active agent.

Proteinoid microspheres have been used to deliver pharmaceuticals. See,for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,401,516; 5,443,841; and Re. 35,862. Inaddition, certain modified amino acids have been used to deliverpharmaceuticals. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,629,020; 5,643,957;5,766,633; 5,776,888; and 5,866,536.

More recently, a polymer has been conjugated to a modified amino acid ora derivative thereof via a linkage group to provide for polymericdelivery agents. The modified polymer may be any polymer, but preferredpolymers include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol (PEG), andderivatives thereof. See, for example, International Patent PublicationNo. WO 00/40203.

However, there is still a need for simple, inexpensive delivery systemswhich are easily prepared and which can deliver a broad range of activeagents by various routes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides phenylalkylcarboxylic acid compounds andcompositions which facilitate the delivery of active agents (e.g.biologically active agents). Delivery agent compounds of the presentinvention include those having the formula:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, whereinn is 1-12,and R¹-R⁵ are independently hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₄ alkenyl,halogen, C₁-C₄ alkyloxy, hydroxyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or C₁-C₆ alkylhalo(e.g. C₁ alkylhalo) group.

According to one embodiment, n ranges from 1 to 9. For example, n may be1-9, 2-9, 3-9, 4-9, 5-9, 6-9, 7-9, 8-9, 1-8, 2-8, 3-8, 4-8, 5-8, 6-8,7-8, 1-7, 2-7, 3-7, 4-7, 5-7, 6-7, 1-6, 2-6, 3-6, 4-6, 5-6, 1-5, 2-5,3-5, 4-5, 1-4, 2-4, 3-4, 1-3, 2-3 or 1-2.

According to another embodiment, at least one of R¹ to R⁵ is methyl,methoxy, hydroxy or halogen group (e.g., Cl or F).

Mixtures of these delivery agent compounds may also be used.

The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising atleast one delivery agent compound of the present invention, and at leastone active agent (e.g. a biologically active agent). When administeredwith an active agent, delivery agents of the present application improvethe bioavailability of the active agent compared to administration ofthe active agent without the delivery agent compound.

Also provided is a dosage unit form comprising a pharmaceuticalcomposition of the present invention. The dosage unit form may be in theform of a liquid or a solid, such as a tablet, capsule or particle,including a powder or sachet.

Another embodiment is a method for administering an active agent to ananimal, particularly an animal in need of the active agent, byadministering a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one ofdelivery agent compound of the present invention and the active agent tothe animal. Preferred routes of administration include the oral andintracolonic routes, particularly the oral route.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a method of treatinga disease or for achieving a desired physiological effect in an animal(e.g. a human) by administering to the animal the pharmaceuticalcomposition of the present invention.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a method of preparinga pharmaceutical composition of the present invention by mixing at leastone delivery agent compound of the present invention, and at least oneactive agent.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a method ofincreasing the bioavailability (e.g., the oral bioavailability) of apharmaceutical composition containing an active agent (e.g.,abiologically active agent) comprising adding a delivery agent compoundof the present invention to the pharmaceutical composition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

The term “alkyl” refers to a straight-chained, branched, or substitutedmonovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing no double or triplecarbon-carbon bonds. Examples of alkyl group include, but are notlimited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, 1-methylethyl (isopropyl), n-butyl,n-pentyl, and 1-dimethylethyl (t-butyl).

The term “alkenyl” refers to a straight-chained, branched, orsubstituted monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing at leastone carbon-carbon double bond. Examples of alkenyl groups include, butare not limited to, ethenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl (allyl),iso-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl, 1-butenyl, and 2-butenyl.

The term “alkylene” refers to a straight-chained, branched orsubstituted divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing no double ortriple bonds.

The term “alkyloxy” refers to an alkyl group attached via an oxygenlinkage to the rest of the molecule. Examples of alkyloxy groupsinclude, but are not limited to, —OCH₃, and —OC₂H₅ groups.

The term “aryl” refers to an monovalent C₆-C₁₄ aromatic group, i.e. amonovalent group having one or more unsaturated carbon rings. Examplesof aryl groups, include, but are not limited to, phenyl, naphthyl,tetrahydronapthyl, indanyl, and biphenyl.

The term “alkyl(arylene)” refers to a divalent group containing anaromatic group with an alkyl group before and/or after the aromaticgroup.

The term “aryloxy” refers to an C₆-C₁₄ aryl group attached via an oxygenlinkage to the rest of the molecule, such as —OC₆H₅.

The term “insulin” includes recombinant forms of insulin (e.g.recombinant human insulin), analogs of insulin lispro or Humalog®) aswell as regular forms of insulin of human or other animal origin.

The term “heparin” includes unfractionated heparin, low molecular weightheparin, very low molecular weight heparin, of recombinant, human, orother animal origin.

The term “LHRH” or “luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone” refers to ahormone produced by the hypothalamus that signals the anterior pituitarygland to begin secreting luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulatinghormone.

The term “rhGH” refers to recombinant human growth hormone.

The term “caspofungin” or “caspofungin acetate” refers to awater-soluble, semisynthetic lipopeptide derived from the fungus, Glarealozoyensis, that has activity against Aspergilllus and Candida species.Caspofugin acetate (Cancidas®) has been approved by the FDA and isindicated for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis in patients whoare refractory to or intolerant of other antifungal agents.

Unless otherwise specified, the term “substituted” as used herein refersto substitution with any one or any combination of the followingsubstituents: hydroxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, including methyl, ethyl, propyl,isopropyl, normal or iso-butyl; C₂-C₄ alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkyloxy, aryl,halo, alkylhalo, or aryloxy groups.

The term “about” means generally means within 10%, preferably within 5%,and more preferably within 1% of a given range.

The term “short stature” refers to a subject with a size (e.g. a height)that is significantly below what is considered normal. Growth hormone,e.g., human growth hormone, is indicated for short stature.

Delivery Agent Compounds

Delivery agent compounds of the present invention include thosecompounds represented by Formula I below, and pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof:

wherein

n is 1-12; and

R₁-R₅ are independently hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₄ alkenyl, halo,C₁-C₄ alkyloxy, hydroxyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or C₁-C₆ alkylhalo group (e.g.C₁ alkylhalo).

In various embodiments, n may be 1-9, 2-9, 3-9, 4-9, 5-9, 6-9, 7-9, 8-9,1-8, 2-8, 3-8, 4-8, 5-8, 6-8, 7-8, 1-7, 2-7, 3-7, 4-7, 5-7, 6-7, 1-6,2-6, 3-6, 4-6, 5-6, 1-5, 2-5, 3-5, 4-5, 1-4, 2-4, 3-4, 1-3, 2-3 or 1-2.

In another embodiment of the present invention, delivery agent compoundsof the present invention include those compounds represented by FormulaI above in which at least one of R₁-R₅ is a methyl, methoxy, alkyloxy,hydroxy or halogen group. In a preferred embodiment, delivery agentcompounds include those in which n is defined as in the precedingparagraph and at least one of R₁-R₅ is a methyl, methoxy, alkyloxy,hydroxy, or halogen group.

In one embodiment of the present invention, delivery agent compounds areselected from Formula I above, in which at least one of R₁-R₅ is amethyl group. In another embodiment, delivery agent compounds areselected from Formula I above in which at least one of R₁-R₅ is amethoxy group. In another embodiment, delivery agent compounds areselected from Formula I above in which at least one of R₁-R₅ is ahydroxy group. In another embodiment, delivery agent compounds areselected from Formula I above in which at least one of R₁-R₅ is anaryloxy group. In another embodiment, delivery agent compounds areselected from Formula I above in which at least one of R₁-R₅ is analkyloxy group. In another embodiment, delivery agent compounds areselected from Formula I above in which at least one of R₁-R₅ is a C₁alkylhalo group. In another embodiment, delivery agent compounds areselected from Formula I above in which at least one of R₁-R₅ is ahalogen, preferably at least one of R₁-R₅ is a chlorine atom or at leastone of R₁-R₅ is a fluorine atom.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the compounds listed inTable 1 are excluded as delivery agents of Formula I. However, invarious embodiments these compounds may be included in compositions thatfurther include an active agent (e.g., a biologically active agent).

The delivery agent compounds may be in the form of the free base orpharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, such as pharmaceuticallyacceptable acid addition salts. Suitable salts include, but are notlimited to, organic and inorganic salts, for example ammonium, acetatesalt, citrate salt, halide (preferably hydrochloride), hydroxide,sulfate, nitrate, phosphate, alkyloxy, perchlorate, tetrafluoroborate,carboxylate, mesylate, fumerate, malonate, succinate, tartrate, acetate,gluconate, and maleate. Preferred salts include, but are not limited to,citrate and mesylate salts. The salts may also be solvates, includingethanol solvates, and hydrates.

Salts of the delivery agent compounds of the present invention may beprepared by methods known in the art. For example, citrate salts andmesylate salts may be prepared in ethanol, toluene and citric acid.

The delivery agent compound may be purified by recrystallization or byfractionation on one or more solid chromatographic supports, alone orlinked in tandem. Suitable recrystallization solvent systems include,but are not limited to, ethanol, water, heptane, ethyl acetate,acetonitrile, acetone, methanol, and tetrahydrofuran (THF) and mixturesthereof. Fractionation may be performed on a suitable chromatographicsupport such as alumina, using methanol/n-propanol mixtures as themobile phase; reverse phase chromatography using trifluoroaceticacid/acetonitrile mixtures as the mobile phase; and ion exchangechromatography using water or an appropriate buffer as the mobile phase.When anion exchange chromatography is performed, preferably a 0-500 mMsodium chloride gradient is employed.

The delivery agent may contain a polymer conjugated to it by a linkagegroup selected from the group consisting of —NHC(O)NH—, —C(O)NH—,—NHC(O)—; —OOC—, —COO—, —NHC(O)O—, —OC(O)NH—, —CH₂NH—NHCH₂—,—CH₂NHC(O)O—, —OC(O)NHCH₂—, —CH₂NHCOCH₂O—, —OCH₂C(O)NHCH₂—,—NHC(O)CH₂O—, —OCH₂C(O)NH—, —NH—, —O—, and carbon-carbon bond, with theproviso that the polymeric delivery agent is not a polypeptide orpolyamino acid. The polymer may be any polymer including, but notlimited to, alternating copolymers, block copolymers and randomcopolymers, which are safe for use in mammals. Preferred polymersinclude, but are not limited to, polyethylene; polyacrylates;polymethacrylates; poly(oxyethylene); poly(propylene); polypropyleneglycol; polyethyleneglycol (PEG); and derivatives thereof andcombinations thereof. The molecular weight of the polymer typicallyranges from about 100 to about 200,000 daltons. The molecular weight ofthe polymer preferably ranges from about 200 to about 10,000 daltons. Inone embodiment of the present invention, the molecular weight of thepolymer ranges from about 200 to about 600 daltons and more preferablyranges from about 300 to about 550 daltons.

Non-limiting examples of delivery agent compounds of Formula I includethose shown below and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof:

Compounds 22-74 (Table 1) were purchased from commercially availablesources for utilization as delivery agents.

TABLE 1 Commercial compounds utilized as delivery agents Delivery AgentCompound # Purchased from Chemical name 22 Sigma-Aldrich Benzeneaceticacid (St. Louis, MO) 23 Johnson Matthey 8-Phenyloctanoic acid (London,UK) 24 Lancaster 10-Phenyldecoic acid (Windham, NH) 25 Lancaster4-(4-Methylphenyl)butanoic acid 26 Lancaster3-(3-Hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid 27 Sigma-Aldrich3-(p-Hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid 28 Sigma-Aldrich 5-Phenylpentanoicacid 29 Sigma-Aldrich 6-Phenylhexanoic acid 30 Matrix Scientific2-Phenoxyphenylethanoic acid (Columbia, SC) 31 Matrix Scientific4-Phenoxyphenylethanoic acid 32 Lancaster 7-Phenylheptanoic acid 33Johnson Matthey 3-(4-Methylphenyl)propanoic acid 34 Johnson Matthey3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid 35 Johnson Matthey3-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid 36 Sigma-Aldrich3-[4-(Trifluoromethyl)phe- nyl]propanoic acid 37 Sigma-Aldrich3-[2,5-Bis(Trifluoromethyl)phe- nyl]propanoic acid 38 Trans World3-(2-Fluorophenyl)propanoic acid Chemicals (Rockville, MD) 39 TransWorld 3-(3-Fluorophenyl)propanoic acid Chemicals 40 Sigma-Aldrich3-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)propanoic acid 41 Trans World3-(4-Fluorophenyl)propanoic acid Chemicals 42 Trans World3-(2-Methylphenyl)propanoic acid Chemicals 43 Matrix Scientific2-(3-Phenoxyphenyl)ethanoic acid 44 Lancaster 4-Phenylbutanoic acid 45Trans World 3-(2,4-Dichlorophenyl) propanoic acid Chemicals 46 TransWorld 3-(2,4-Dimethylphenyl) propanoic acid Chemicals 47 Trans World3-(2-Chlorophenyl) propanoic acid Chemicals 48 Trans World3-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl) propanoic acid Chemicals 49 Trans World3-(3,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)propanoic acid Chemicals 50 Trans World3-(4-Iodophenyl)propanoic acid Chemicals 51 Trans World3-(3-Methylphenyl) propanoic acid Chemicals 52 Trans World3-(4-Chlorophenyl) propanoic acid Chemicals 53 Trans World3-(4-Ethylphenyl) propanoic acid Chemicals 54 Trans World3-(3-Iodophenyl) propanoic acid Chemicals 55 Trans World3-(4-Isopropylphenyl) propanoic acid Chemicals 56 Sigma-Aldrich3-(3-Chloro-4-methoxyphenyl) propanoic acid 57 Trans World3-(3-Bromophenyl) propanoic acid Chemicals 58 Trans World3-(3,4-Dimethylphenyl) propanoic acid Chemicals 59 Trans World3-(3-Chlorophenyl) propanoic acid Chemicals 60 Trans World3-(2-Bromophenyl) propanoic acid Chemicals 61 Trans World3-(4-Bromophenyl)propanoic acid Chemicals 62 Trans World3-(2-Methoxyphenyl)propanoic acid Chemicals 64 Sigma-Aldrich3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)propanoic acid 65 Sigma-Aldrich3-(2,3-Dimethoxyphenyl)propanoic acid 66 Sigma-Aldrich3-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)propanoic acid 67 Sigma-Aldrich4-(p-Iodophenyl)butanoic acid 68 Sigma-Aldrich3-(3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)propanoic acid 69 Sigma-Aldrich4-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)butanoic acid 70 Sigma-Aldrich3-[3,5-Bis(Trifluoromethyl)phe- nyl]propanoic acid 71 Sigma-Aldrich3-(2,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)propanoic acid 72 Sigma-Aldrich3-(2,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)propanoic acid 73 Oakwood5-(4-Fluorophenyl)pentanoic acid Products Inc. (West Columbia, SC) 74Trans World 3-(4-Ethoxyphenyl)propanoic acid Chemicals

Active Agents

Active agents suitable for use in the present invention includebiologically active agents and chemically active agents, including, butnot limited to, pesticides, pharmacological agents, and therapeuticagents. Suitable active agents include those that are rendered lesseffective, ineffective or are destroyed in the gastro-intestinal tractby acid hydrolysis, enzymes and the like. Also included as suitableactive agents are those macromolecular agents whose physiochemicalcharacteristics, such as, size, structure or charge, prohibit or impedeabsorption when dosed orally.

For example, biologically or chemically active agents suitable for usein the present invention include, but are not limited to, proteins;polypeptides; peptides; hormones; polysaccharides, and particularlymixtures of muco-polysaccharides; carbohydrates; lipids; small polarorganic molecules (i.e. polar organic molecules having a molecularweight of 500 daltons or less); other organic compounds; andparticularly compounds which by themselves do not pass (or which passonly a fraction of the administered dose) through the gastro-intestinalmucosa and/or are susceptible to chemical cleavage by acids and enzymesin the gastro-intestinal tract; or any combination thereof.

Further examples include, but are not limited to, the following,including synthetic, natural or recombinant sources thereof: growthhormones, including human growth hormones (hGH), recombinant humangrowth hormones (rhGH), bovine growth hormones, and porcine growthhormones; growth hormone releasing hormones; growth hormone releasingfactor, interferons, including α-interferon (e.g., interferon alfacon-1(available as Infergen® from InterMune, Inc. of Brisbane, Calif.)),β-interferon and γ-interferon; interleukin-1; interleukin-2; insulin,including porcine, bovine, human, and human recombinant, optionallyhaving counter ions including zinc, sodium, calcium and ammonium;insulin-like growth factor, including IGF-1; heparin, includingunfractionated heparin, heparinoids, dermatans, chondroitins, lowmolecular weight heparin, very low molecular weight heparin and ultralow molecular weight heparin; calcitonin, including salmon, eel, porcineand human; erythropoietin; atrial naturetic factor; antigens; monoclonalantibodies; somatostatin; protease inhibitors; adrenocorticotropin,gonadotropin releasing hormone; oxytocin;leutinizing-hormone-releasing-hormone; follicle stimulating hormone;glucocerebrosidase; thrombopoietin; filgrastim; prostaglandins;cyclosporin; vasopressin; cromolyn sodium (sodium or disodiumchromoglycate); vancomycin; desferrioxamine (DFO); bisphosphonates,including alendronate, tiludronate, etidronate, clodronate, pamidronate,olpadronate, and incadronate; parathyroid hormone (PTH), including itsfragments; anti-migraine agents such as sumatriptan, almotriptan,naratriptan, rizatriptan, frovatriptan, eletriptan, BIBN-4096BS andother calcitonin gene-related proteins antagonists; glucagon-likepeptide 1 (GLP-1); Argatroban; glucagon; antimicrobials, includingantibiotics, anti-bacterials and anti-fungal agents; vitamins; analogs,fragments, mimetics or polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified derivatives ofthese compounds; or any combination thereof. Non-limiting examples ofantibiotics include gram-positive acting, bacteriocidal, lipopeptidaland cyclic peptidal antibiotics, such as daptomycin and analogs thereof.

Delivery Systems

The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises one ormore delivery agent compounds of the present invention, and one or moreactive agents (e.g., biologically active agents). In one embodiment, oneor more of the delivery agent compounds, or salts of these compounds,may be used as a delivery agent by mixing delivery agent compounds withthe active agent prior to administration to form an administrationcomposition.

The administration compositions may be in the form of a liquid. Thesolution medium may be water (for example, for salmon calcitonin,parathyroid hormone, and erythropoietin), 25% aqueous propylene glycol(for example, for heparin) and phosphate buffer (for example, for rhGH).Other dosing vehicles include, but are not limited to, polyethyleneglycol. Dosing solutions may be prepared by mixing a solution of thedelivery agent compound with a solution of the active agent, just priorto administration. Alternately, a solution of the delivery agentcompound (or active agent) may be mixed with the solid form of theactive agent (or delivery agent compound). The delivery agent compoundand the active agent may also be mixed as dry powders. The deliveryagent compound and the active agent can also be admixed during themanufacturing process. Alternatively, the delivery agent compound andactive agent can be separately administered in sequential fashion.

The dosing solutions may optionally contain additives such as phosphatebuffer salts, citric acid, glycols, or other dispersing agents.Stabilizing additives may be incorporated into the solution, preferablyat a concentration ranging between about 0.1 and 20% (w/v).

The administration compositions may alternately be in the form of asolid, such as a tablet, capsule or particle, such as a powder orsachet. Solid dosage forms may be prepared by mixing the solid form ofthe compound with the solid form of the active agent. Alternately, asolid may be obtained from a solution of compound and active agent bymethods known in the art, such as freeze-drying (lyophilization),precipitation, crystallization and solid dispersion.

The administration compositions of the present invention may alsoinclude one or more enzyme inhibitors. Such enzyme inhibitors include,but are not limited to, compounds such as actinonin or epiactinonin andderivatives thereof. Other enzyme inhibitors include, but are notlimited to, aprotinin (Trasylol) and Bowman-Birk inhibitors.

The amount of active agent used in an administration composition of thepresent invention is an amount effective to accomplish the purpose ofthe particular active agent for the target indication. The amount ofactive agent in the compositions typically is a pharmacologically,biologically, therapeutically, or chemically effective amount. However,the amount can be less than that amount when the composition is used ina dosage unit form because the dosage unit form may contain a pluralityof delivery agent compound/active agent compositions or may contain adivided pharmacologically, biologically, therapeutically, or chemicallyeffective amount. The total effective amount can then be administered incumulative units containing, in total, an effective amount of the activeagent.

Generally, the amount of delivery agent compound in the composition isan amount effective to facilitate delivery of the active agent. Thetotal amount of active agent and delivery agent to be used can bedetermined by methods known to the skilled artisan. However, because thecompositions of the invention may deliver active agents more efficientlythan compositions containing the active agent alone, lower amounts ofbiologically or chemically active agents than those used in prior dosageunit forms or delivery systems can be administered to the subject, whilestill achieving the same blood levels and/or therapeutic effects.Generally, the weight ratio of delivery agent to active agent rangesfrom about 1000:1 or 800:1 to about 10:1 or 1:10, and preferably rangesfrom about 400:1 or 200:1 to about 100:1 or 25:1. Other ranges arecontemplated to be within acceptable ranges for delivery of some activecompounds, such as from about 100:1 or 50:1 to about 5:1 or 2.5:1, orfrom about 60:1 or 30:1 to about 1:1 or 0.5:1. Such ranges and ratioscan be determined by one skilled in the art.

The presently disclosed delivery agent compounds facilitate the deliveryof biologically and chemically active agents, particularly in oral,intranasal, sublingual, intraduodenal, subcutaneous, buccal,intracolonic, rectal, vaginal, mucosal, pulmonary, transdermal,intradermal, parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular and ocular systems,as well as traversing the blood-brain barrier.

Dosage unit forms can also include any one or combination of excipients,diluents, disintegrants, lubricants, plasticizers, colorants,flavorants, taste-masking agents, sugars, sweeteners, salts, and dosingvehicles, including, but not limited to, water, 1,2-propane diol,ethanol, olive oil, or any combination thereof.

The compounds and compositions of the subject invention are useful foradministering biologically or chemically active agents to any animals,including but not limited to birds such as chickens; mammals, such asrodents, cows, pigs, dogs, cats, primates, and particularly humans; andinsects.

The system is particularly advantageous for delivering chemically orbiologically active agents that would otherwise be destroyed or renderedless effective by conditions encountered before the active agent reachesits target zone (i.e. the area in which the active agent of the deliverycomposition is to be released) and within the body of the animal towhich they are administered. Particularly, the compounds andcompositions of the present invention are useful for orallyadministering active agents, especially those that are not ordinarilyorally deliverable, or those for which improved delivery is desired.

The compositions comprising the phenylalkyl carboxylic acid compoundsand active agents have utility in the delivery of active agents toselected biological systems and in an increased or improvedbioavailability of the active agent compared to administration of theactive agent without the delivery agent. Delivery can be improved bydelivering more active agent over a period of time, or in delivering theactive agent in a particular time period (such as to effect quicker ordelayed delivery), or in delivering the active agent at a specific time,or over a period of time (such as sustained delivery).

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for thetreatment or prevention of a disease or for achieving a desiredphysiological effect, such as any one of the diseases or conditionslisted in the table below, in an animal by administering the compositionof the present invention. Preferably, an effective amount of thecomposition for the treatment or prevention of the desired disease orfor achieving the desired physiological effect is administered. Specificindications for active agents can be found in the The Physicians' DeskReference (58^(th) Ed., 2004, Medical Economics Company, Inc., Montvale,N.J.), and Fauci, A S, et. al., Harrison's Principles of InternalMedicine (14^(th) Ed., 1998, McGraw-Hill Health Professions Division,New York. Both of these references are herein incorporated by referencein their entirety. The active agents in the table below include theiranalogs, fragments, mimetics, and polyethylene glycol-modifiedderivatives (e.g., the PEGylated derivative of granulocyte colonystimulating factor sold as Neulasta®).

TABLE 2 Active agent utilization Active Agent Disease and PhysiologicalEffect Growth hormones (including human recombinant Growth disordersgrowth hormone and growth-hormone releasing factors and its analogs)Interferons, including α, β and γ Viral infection, including chroniccancer, hepatitis, and multiple sclerosis Interleukins (e.g.Interleukin-1; interleukin-2) Viral infection; cancer; cell mediatedimmunity; and transplant rejection; Insulin; Insulin-like growth factorIGF-1 Diabetes Immune Globulins, such as IVIg smallpox, rabies, anddiphtheria, Alzheimer's Disease; Primary immunodeficiencies; AcuteGuillain-Barré syndrome; Chronic idiopathic demyelinating polyneuropathy(CIDP); Myasthenia gravis, polymyositis, and dermatomyositis; neonatalimmune thrombocytopenia, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, andantiphospholipid antibody syndrome: Posttransfusion purpura. HeparinTreatment and Prevention of Thrombosis, including Deep Vein Thrombosis;prevention of blood coagulation Calcitonin Osteoporosis; diseases of thebone; bone pain; analgesic (including pain associated with osteoporosisor cancer) Erythropoietin, Pegylated erythropoietin. Anemia;HIV/HIV-therapy Associated Anemia; Chemotherapeutically-Induced AnemiaAtrial naturetic factor Vasodilation Antigens Infection CPHPC Reductionof amyloid deposits and systemic amyloidoisis often (but not always) inconnection with Alzheimer's disease,Type II diabetes, and otheramyloid-based diseases Monoclonal antibodies To prevent graft rejection;cancer; used in assays to detect diseases Somatostatin/octreotideBleeding ulcer; erosive gastritis; variceal bleeding; diarrhea;acromegaly; TSH-secreting pituitary adenomas; secretory pancreatictumors; carcinoid syndrome; reduce proptosis/thyroid-associatedophthalmopathy; reduce macular edema/retinopathy Protease inhibitors HIVInfection/AIDS Adrenocorticotropin High cholesterol (to lowercholesterol) Gonadotropin releasing hormone Ovulatory disfunction (tostimulate ovulation) Oxytocin Labor disfunction (to stimulatecontractions) Leutinizing-hormone-releasing-hormone; Regulatereproductive function Leutinizing Hormone; follicle stimulating hormoneGlucocerebrosidase Gaucher disease (to metabolize lipoprotein)Thrombopoietin Thrombocytopenia Filgrastim (Granulocyte ColonyStimulating shorten the duration of chemotherapy-induced Factor);GM-CSF, (sargramostim) and their neutropenia and thus treat or preventinfection in Pegylated forms chemotherapy patients; Inhibit the growthof or to kill Mycobacterium Intracellular Avium Infection (MAC) siRNAHuntington, Alzheimers, Viral Infections (HIV, Hepatitis A, B or C,RSV), Cancers; Macular Degeneration Prostaglandins HypertensionCyclosporin Transplant rejection; psoriasis, inflammatory alopecias;Sjogren's syndrome; Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca Vasopressin NocturnalEnuresis; antidiuretic Cromolyn sodium; Asthma; allergies VancomycinTreat or prevent antimicrobial-induced infections including, but notEmitted to methacillin- resistant Staphalococcus aureus and Staph.epidermiditis gallium salts (such as gallium nitrate) Osteoporosis;Paget's disease; Inhibits osteoclasts; Promotes osteoblastic activity,hypercalcemia, including cancer related hypercalcemia, urethral (urinarytract) malignancies; anti-tumors, cancers, including urethral andbladder cancers; lymphoma; malignancies (including bladder cancer);leukemia; management of bone metastases (and associated pain); muliplemyeloma, attenuate immune response, including allogenic transplantrejections; disrupt iron metabolism; promote cell migration; woundrepair; to attenuate or treat infectious processes of mycobacteriumspecies, including but not limited to mycobacterium tubercolosis, andmycobacterium avium complex Desferrioxamine (DFO) Iron overloadParathyroid hormone (PTH), including its Osteoporosis; fragments.Diseases of the bone Antimicrobials Infection including but not limitedto gram-positive bacterial infection Vitamins Treat and prevent Vitamindeficiencies Bisphosphonates Osteoporosis; Paget's disease; bone tumorsand metastases (and associated pain); Breast cancer; including asadjuvant therapy for early stage breast cancer; management of bonemetastases (and associated pain), including bone metastases associatewith breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer; Inhibitsosteoclasts; Promotes osteoblastic activity; treat and/or prevent bonemineral density (bmd) loss; multiple myeloma; prevention of bonecomplications related to malignant osteolysis; fibrous dysplasia;pediatric osteogenesis imperfecta; hypercalcemia, urethral (urinarytract) malignancies; reflex sympathetic dystropy synodrome, acute backpain after vertebral crush fracture, chronic inflammatory joint disease,renal bone disease, extrosseous calcifications, analgesic, vitamin Dintoxication, periarticular ossifications BIBN4096BS -(1-Piperidinecarboxamide. N-[2-[[5- Anti-migraine; calcitonin gene-related peptide amino-1-[ [4-(4-pyridinyl)-l- antagonistpiperazinyl)carbonyl]pentyl]amino]-1-[(3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-2-oxoethyl]-4(1,4-dihydro-2-oxo-3(2H0-quinazolinyl)-.[R- (R*,S*)]-) Glucagonimproving glycemic control (e.g. treating hypoglycemia and controllinghypoglycemic reactions), obesity; a diagnostic aid in the radiogicalexamination of the stomach, duodenum, small bowel and colon; Treat acutepoisoning With Cardiovascular Agents including, but not limited to,calcium channel blockers, beta blockers GLP-1, Exendin - 3, Exendin - 4,Obestatin Diabetes; improving glycemic control (e.g. treatinghypoglycemia and controlling hypoglycemic reactions), obesity dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitors Diabetes; improving glycemic control(e.g. treating hypoglycemia), obesity acyclovir Used to treat herpesinfections of the skin, lip and genitals; herpes zoster (shingles); andchickenpox HIV Entry Inhibitors (e.g. Fuzeon) Inhibit entry of HIV intohost cells Sumatriptin, almotriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan,anti-migraine serotonin agonists frovatriptan and eletriptan(piperidinyloxy)phenyl, (piperidinyloxy)pyridinyl,(piperidinylsulfanyl)phenyl and (piperidinylsulfanyl)pyridinyl compoundsNeuraminidase inhibitors: peramivir, zanamivir, Antivirals oseltamivir,BCX-1898, BCX-1827, BCX-1989, BCX 1923, BCX 1827 and A315675; M2inhibitors: amantadine, rimantadine; Nucleoside/Nucleotide ReverseTranscriptase Inhibitors, Non-nucleoside Reverse TranscriptaseInhibitors, Protease Inhibitors, Fusion inhibitors: thiovir,thiophosphonoformate, foscarnet, enfuviritide, zidovudine, didanosine,zalcitabine, stavudine, lamivudine, emtricitabine, abacavir,azidothymidine, tenofovir disoproxil, delavridine, efavirenz,nevirapine, ritonavir, nelfinavir mesylate, saquinvir mesylate,indinavir sulfate, amprenavir, lopinavir, lopinavir, fosamprenavircalcium, atazanavir sulfate Peptide YY (PYY) and PYY-like Peptides (e.g.Obesity, Diabetes, Eating Disorders, Insulin- PYY[3-36]) ResistanceSyndromes

For example, one embodiment of the present invention is a method fortreating a patient suffering from or susceptible to diabetes byadministering insulin and at least one of the delivery agent compoundsof the present invention.

Following administration, the active agent present in the composition ordosage unit form is taken up into the circulation. The bioavailabilityof the agent can be readily assessed by measuring a knownpharmacological activity in blood, e.g. an increase in blood clottingtime caused by heparin, or a decrease in circulating calcium levelscaused by calcitonin. Alternatively, the circulating levels of theactive agent itself can be measured directly.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising an effective amount of insulin and an effectiveamount of at least one of the delivery agents described herein. Forexample, one embodiment of the present invention provides apharmaceutical composition comprising about 50 to 800 mg/kg (e.g. 200mg/kg) of insulin and about 0.1 to 2.0 mg/kg (e.g. 0.5 mg/kg) of any oneof the delivery agent compounds of the present invention.

Yet another embodiment is method of treating diseases characterized byhyperglycemia, such as diabetes, comprising administering apharmaceutical composition of the present invention to a subject.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising an effective amount of heparin and an effectiveamount of at least one of the delivery agents described herein. Forexample, one embodiment of the present invention provides apharmaceutical composition comprising about 5 to 125 mg/kg (e.g. 25mg/kg or 80 mg/kg) of heparin and about 5 to 500 mg/kg (e.g. 50 mg/kg or200 mg/kg) of any one of the delivery agent compounds of the presentinvention.

Yet another embodiment is a method of treating or preventing diseasecharacterized by intravascular thrombi by administering an effectiveamount of heparin and an effective amount of a delivery agent of thepresent invention to a subject.

Yet another embodiment is a method of preventing Deep Vain Thrombosis(DVT) in susceptible individuals by administering an effective amount ofheparin and an effective amount of a delivery agent compound of thepresent invention to a subject.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising an effective amount of rhGH and an effectiveamount of at least one of the delivery agents described herein. Forexample, one embodiment of the present invention provides apharmaceutical composition comprising about 0.25 to 10 mg/kg (e.g. 3mg/kg) of rhGH and about 50 to 500 mg/kg (e.g. 200 mg/kg) of any one ofthe delivery agent compounds of the present invention.

Yet another embodiment is a method of treating or preventing shortstature by administering an effective amount of rhGH and an effectiveamount of at least one delivery agent compound (formula I) of thepresent invention to a subject.

Yet another embodiment is method of treating or preventing a diseasewhich requires supplementation of growth hormone by administering aneffective amount of at least one delivery agent compound of the presentinvention to a subject.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising an effective amount of LHRH and an effectiveamount of at least one of the delivery agents described herein. Forexample, one embodiment of the present invention provides apharmaceutical composition comprising about 0.1 to 10 mg/kg (e.g. 1mg/kg) of LHRH and about 50-500 mg/kg (e.g. 200 mg/kg) of any one of thedelivery agent compounds of the present invention.

Yet another embodiment is method of treating or preventing infertilityin men or women which requires supplementation of LHRH by administeringan effective amount of LHRH and an effective amount of at least onedelivery agent of the present invention to a subject.

Yet another embodiment is method of treating or preventing a diseasewhich requires supplementation of LHRH by administering an effectiveamount of LHRH and an effective amount of at least one delivery agent ofthe present invention to a subject.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising an effective amount of caspofungin acetate (e.g.Cancidas®) and an effective amount of at least one of the deliveryagents described herein. For example, one embodiment of the presentinvention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising about 5 to125 mg/kg (e.g. 25 mg/kg) of caspofungin acetate and about 50 to 500mg/kg (e.g. 200 mg/kg) of any one of the delivery agent compounds of thepresent invention.

Yet another embodiment is method of treating or preventing candidiasisor other systemic or localized fungal infections by administering aneffective amount of caspofungin acetate and an effective amount of adelivery agent of the present invention to the subject.

EXAMPLES

The following examples illustrate the present invention withoutlimitation.

Example 1—Preparation of 4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)butanoic acid (Compound 1)

A 500 mL round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar and aninert atmosphere (nitrogen gas) was charged with 5.25 mL (48.3 mmol) ofanisole, 4.83 g (48.3 mmol) of succinic anhydride, 125 mL1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane and 125 mL of nitrobenzene. The reactionvessel was cooled with an external ice bath and stirred for 30 minutes.Aluminum trichloride (14.2 g, 106.4 mmol) was added to the pale yellowsolution, which then turned to a dark reddish brown color. The ice bathwas removed, and the reaction was allowed to stir at room temperaturefor 36 hours. Reaction was again cooled with an external ice bath.Prepared acidic solution by pouring 1N hydrogen chloride solution into a100 mL beaker filled with ice. This solution was added to the reactionmixture carefully, drop-wise at first until reaction became clear withwhite precipitate. After that point a 10 mL portion was carefully addedto test for reactivity, and then the remained of the ice/acid mixturewas added. A second 100 mL of ice/acid mixture was added, the externalice bath removed and the pale emulsion was stirred for 2 hours. A whiteprecipitate was collected form the emulsion by suction filtration. Thissolid was dissolved in 300 mL of 0.3 M sodium hydroxide, washed with 100mL of ethyl acetate, and acidified to ˜pH 1 with 1 M hydrochloric acid.The white precipitate that was collected upon vacuum filtration waswashed with 3×100 mL de-ionized water, dried and reserved for use innext procedure.

To a 50 mL rounded bottom flask was added 4.77 g (86.1 mmol) of cutzinc. To this was added a solution of 0.22 g (0.81 mmol) ofmercury(II)chloride and 0.2 mL concentrated hydrochloric acid (37%) in 4mL of water. The mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 10minutes. The liquid was decanted off and immediately replaced with afresh solution of 10 mL concentrated hydrochloric acid (37%) in 2 mL ofwater. 3.00 g (14.4 mmol) of 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-oxobutyric acid wasadded to the zinc mixture followed by an additional 10 mL ofconcentrated hydrochloric acid (37%) and 2 mL water. The reaction washeated to reflux for three hours, with an additional 0.4 mL ofconcentrated hydrochloric acid (37%) being added every thirty minutes.The reaction was cool to room temperature and allowed to mix overnight.10 mL of diethyl ether was added to the reaction mixture and stirred forthirty minutes. The liquid was decanted away from the solid into a 125mL separatory funnel and the solid residue was rinsed with 20 mL ofether which was also decanted into the separatory funnel. The aqueouslayer was separated and extracted an additional two times with 30 mLdiethyl ether. The combined organic layers were dried over sodiumsulfate, filtered and solvent removed under reduced pressure. Theresidue solid was dissolved in ˜250 mL of 0.3M sodium hydroxide solutionand washed with 25 mL of ethyl acetate. The aqueous solution wasacidified with ˜200 mL 1N hydrochloric acid solution and allowed to restovernight. The product (1.42 g, 51%) was isolated as a white solid, mp57-58° C. Combustion analysis: Found: C, 67.87, H, 7.33%; C₁₁H₁₄O₃requires C: 68.02, H: 7.27% 1H NMR (d6-DMSO): δ 12.0, s, 1H (COOH); δ7.2 d, 2H (aryl H's); δ 6.8, d, 2H, (arylH's); δ 3.7, s, 3H (OMe H's); δ2.5, t, 2H (CH₂ α to aryl group); δ 2.2, t, 2H (CH₂α to COOH), δ 1.75,p, 2H (middle CH₂).

Example 2—Preparation of 5-(2-Methoxyphenyl)pentanoic acid (Compound 2)

A 250 mL 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with a thermometer and amagnetic stirring bar was charged w/ 16.0 mL (18.1 g, 72.3 mmol) oftriethyl 4-phosphocrotonate and 20 mL of tetrahydrofuran (THF). Theclear solution was cooled to −78° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath andtreated with 72.0 mL (72.0 mmol) of 1.0M lithium hexamethylsilizaide/THFsolution, added slowly over 10 min. The red solution was stirred at −78°C. for 1 hour. One third of the anion solution was transferred viacannula to a solution of 3.28 g (24.1 mmol) of 2-anisaldehyde and 15 mLof THF. The reaction mixture warmed to 45° C. upon addition and wasstirred at 25° C. for 20 hour. After dilution with 2:1 methyl t-butylether(MTBE)/hexanes, the reaction mixture was washed with water (4×40mL) and brine (1×40 mL), dried over sodium sulfate, decolorized withsilica gel and concentrated. The ethyl 5-(2-methoxyphenyl)pentadienoatewas used as is.

A 500 mL Parr shaker reaction vessel was charged with the ethyl5-(2-methoxyphenyl)pentadienoate isolated above and ethanol. Thismixture was treated with 0.25 g of 10% palladium on charcoal and placedunder an atmosphere of 45 psig of hydrogen gas in a Parr shakerapparatus. After hydrogen was no longer taken up, the reaction mixturewas removed from the Parr shaker apparatus after dissipating thehydrogen gas, filtered through a Celite pad to remove the catalyst andconcentrated to give crude ethyl 5-(2-methoxyphenyl)pentanoate.

A 125 mL Ehrlenmayer flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar wascharged with the ethyl 5-(2-methoxyphenyl)pentanoate isolated above andethanol. This solution was treated with 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide andheated to reflux. After 5 hr the clear solution was cooled to 25° C.,washed with MTBE and acidified with aqueous 4% hydrochloric acid to givea red-orange solid which was isolated by filtration to give 3.44 g of5-(2-methoxyphenyl)pentanoic acid. 1H NMR (d6-DMSO): δ 11.9, bs, 1H(COOH); δ 7.03, t, 1H, (arylH para to CH₂); δ 6.99, d, 1H (arylH orthoto CH₂); δ 6.80, d, 1H, (arylH ortho to OMe); δ 6.72, t, 1H (arylH parato OMe); δ 3.64, s, 3H (OCH₃); δ 2.41, t, 2H, (CH₂ α to aryl); δ 2.09,t, 2H (CH₂ α to COOH); δ 1.38, m, 4H (CH₂'s β to aryl and COOH). ¹³C NMR(d6-DMSO): 174.42, 157.00, 129.77, 129.49, 127.04, 120.15, 110.56,55.17, 33.53, 29.18, 28.87, 24.30.

Example 3—Preparation of 5-(3-Fluorophenyl)pentanoic acid (Compound 3)

A 250 mL 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with a thermometer and amagnetic stirring bar was charged w/ 16.0 mL (18.1 g, 72.3 mmol) oftriethyl 4-phosphocrotonate and 20 mL of tetrahydrofuran (THF). Theclear solution was cooled to −78° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath andtreated with 72.0 mL (72.0 mmol) of 1.0M lithium hexamethylsilizaide/THFsolution, added slowly over 10 min. The red solution was stirred at −78°C. for 1 hour. One third of the anion solution was transferred viacannula to a solution of 3.28 g (24.1 mmol) of 3-Fluorobenzaldehyde and15 mL of THF. The reaction mixture warmed to 45° C. upon addition andwas stirred at 25° C. for 20 hour. After dilution with 2:1 methylt-butyl ether(MTBE)/hexanes, the reaction mixture was washed with water(4×40 mL) and brine (1×40 mL), dried over sodium sulfate, decolorizedwith silica gel and concentrated. The ethyl5-(3-Fluorophenyl)pentadienoate was used as is.

A 500 mL Parr shaker reaction vessel was charged with the ethyl5-(3-Fluorophenyl)pentadienoate isolated above and ethanol. This mixturewas treated with 0.25 g of 10% palladium on charcoal and placed under anatmosphere of 45 psig of hydrogen gas in a Parr shaker apparatus. Afterhydrogen was no longer taken up, the reaction mixture was removed fromthe Parr shaker apparatus after dissipating the hydrogen gas, filteredthrough a Celite pad to remove the catalyst and concentrated to givecrude ethyl 5-(3-Fluorophenyl)pentanoate.

A 125 mL Ehrlenmayer flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar wascharged with the ethyl 5-(3-Fluorophenyl)pentanoate isolated above andethanol. This solution was treated with 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide andheated to reflux. After 5 hr the clear solution was cooled to 25° C.,washed with MTBE and acidified with aqueous 4% hydrochloric acid to givea red-orange solid which was isolated by filtration to give 3.44 g of5-(3-Fluorophenyl)pentanoic acid.

1H NMR (d6-DMSO): δ 12.0, bs, 1H (COOH); δ 7.29, q, 1H, (arylH meta toF); δ 7.0, m, 3H (other arylH's); δ 2.57, t, 2H, (CH₂ α to aryl); δ2.22, t, 2H (CH₂ α to COOH); δ 1.5, m, 4H (CH₂'s β to aryl and COOH).¹³C NMR (d6-DMSO): 174.35, 162.2 (d), 145.0, 130.0, 124.36, 114.8,112.4, 34.37, 33.40, 30.02, 23.98.

Example 4—Preparation of 5-(3-Methoxyphenyl)pentanoic acid (Compound 4)

A 250 mL 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with a thermometer and amagnetic stirring bar was charged w/ 16.0 mL (18.1 g, 72.3 mmol) oftriethyl 4-phosphocrotonate and 20 mL of tetrahydrofuran (THF). Theclear solution was cooled to −78° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath andtreated with 72.0 mL (72.0 mmol) of 1.0M lithium hexamethylsilizaide/THFsolution, added slowly over 10 min. The red solution was stirred at −78°C. for 1 hour. One third of the anion solution was transferred viacannula to a solution of 3.28 g (24.1 mmol) of 3-anisaldehyde and 15 mLof THF. The reaction mixture warmed to 45° C. upon addition and wasstirred at 25° C. for 20 hour. After dilution with 2:1 methyl t-butylether(MTBE)/hexanes, the reaction mixture was washed with water (4×40mL) and brine (1×40 mL), dried over sodium sulfate, decolorized withsilica gel and concentrated. The ethyl 5-(3-methoxyphenyl)pentadienoatewas used as is.

A 500 mL Parr shaker reaction vessel was charged with the ethyl5-(3-methoxyphenyl)pentadienoate isolated above and ethanol. Thismixture was treated with 0.25 g of 10% palladium on charcoal and placedunder an atmosphere of 45 psig of hydrogen gas in a Parr shakerapparatus. After hydrogen was no longer taken up, the reaction mixturewas removed from the Parr shaker apparatus after dissipating thehydrogen gas, filtered through a Celite pad to remove the catalyst andconcentrated to give crude ethyl 5-(3-methoxyphenyl)pentanoate.

A 125 mL Ehrlenmayer flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar wascharged with the ethyl 5-(3-methoxyphenyl)pentanoate isolated above andethanol. This solution was treated with 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide andheated to reflux. After 5 hr the clear solution was cooled to 25° C.,washed with MTBE and acidified with aqueous 4% hydrochloric acid to givea red-orange solid which was isolated by filtration to give 3.44 g of5-(3-methoxyphenyl)pentanoic acid.

1H NMR (d6-DMSO): δ 11.9, bs, 1H (COOH); δ 7.07, t, 1H, (arylH meta toOMe); δ 6.64, m, 3H (arylH's); δ 3.63, s, 3H (OCH₃); δ 2.44, t, 2H, (CH₂α to aryl); δ 2.11, t, 2H (CH₂ α to COOH); δ 1.4, m, 4H (CH₂'s β to aryland COOH). ¹³C NMR (d6-DMSO): 174.39, 159.23, 143.58, 129.18, 120.50,113.89, 111.05, 54.83, 34.81, 33.46, 24.08.

Example 5—Preparation of 6-(3-Fluorophenyl) hexanoic acid (Compound 5)

A 250 mL 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with a thermometer and amagnetic stirring bar was charged w/ 6.02 g (13.6 mmol) of4-carboxybutyltriphenylphosphonium bromide and 40 mL of tetrahydrofuran(THF). The slurry was cooled to −40° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath andtreated with 28.5 mL (28.5 mmol) of 1.0M lithium hexamethylsilizaide/THFsolution. The orange solution was allowed to warm to 25° C. The reactionmixture was cooled to −20° C. and treated with 1.40 mL (1.65 g, 13.3mmol) of 3-fluorobenzaldehyde and then allowed to warm to 25° C. After20 hour, the reaction mixture was diluted with methyl t-butyl ether(MTBE) and aqueous saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The layerswere separated. The aqueous phase was acidified with 4% aqueoushydrochloric acid to pH 2 and extracted with MTBE (1×40 mL). The organicphase was washed with brine (1×30 mL), dried over sodium sulfate andconcentrated. The 6-(3-fluorophenyl)hex-5-enoic acid was used as is. A500 mL Parr shaker reaction vessel was charged with the ethyl6-(3-fluorophenyl)hex-5-enoic acid isolated above, 10 mL of ethylacetateand 30 mL of ethanol. This mixture was treated with 0.24 g of 10%palladium on charcoal and placed under an atmosphere of 58 psig ofhydrogen gas in a Parr shaker apparatus. After hydrogen was no longertaken up, the reaction mixture was removed from the Parr shakerapparatus after dissipating the hydrogen gas, filtered through a Celitepad to remove the catalyst and concentrated to give crude6-(3-fluorophenyl)hexanoic acid contaminated with triphenylphosphineoxide by-product. The product was taken up into MTBE and purified byextraction into aqueous saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (5×30 mL),acidification with 4% aqueous hydrochloric acid to pH 2 and extractionback into MTBE. The residual phosphine oxide was removed by adding 1part hexanes to 2 parts MTBE and running through a plug of silica gel.The product was obtained after concentration to 1.37 g of6-(3-fluorophenyl)hexanoic acid as a clear liquid. 1H NMR (d6-DMSO): δ11.9, bs, 1H (COOH); δ 7.19, q, 1H, (arylH meta to F); δ 6.9, m, 3H(other arylH's); δ 2.47, t, 2H, (CH₂ α to aryl); δ 2.08, t, 2H (CH₂ α toCOOH); δ 1.44, m, 4H (CH₂'s β to aryl and COOH); δ 1.17, p, 2H (CH₂ inmiddle of chain). ¹³C NMR (d6-DMSO): 174.42, 162.2 (d), 145.2, 130.0,124.35, 114.9, 112.23, 34.61, 33.56, 30.33, 28.09, 24.25.

Example 6—Preparation of 3-(4-t-Butylphenyl)propanoic acid (Compound 6)

A 125 mL Ehrlenmayer flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar wascharged with 7.76 g (47.8 mmol) of 4-t-butylbenzaldehyde, 5.28 g (50.7mmol) of malonic acid and 2.2 mL (2.2 g, 27.2 mmol) of pyridine. Theslurry was heated to 80° C., at which temperature a clear yellowsolution formed. After stirring for 2 hr, the reaction mixture wascooled to 25° C. The resulting solid was isolated by filtration, rinsingwith water (2×30 mL) and 2:1 methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE)/hexanes (2×30mL). A total of 3.1 g of 4-t-butylcinnamic acid was isolated.

A 500 mL Parr shaker reaction vessel was charged with 3.10 g (15.2 mmol)of 4-t-butylcinnamic acid, 20 mL of ethyl acetate and 10 mL of ethanol.This mixture was treated with 0.15 g of 10% palladium on charcoal andplaced under an atmosphere of 51 psig of hydrogen gas in a Parr shakerapparatus. A total of 14 psig of hydrogen was taken up in 16 hours. Thereaction mixture was removed from the Parr shaker apparatus afterdissipating the hydrogen gas, filtered through a Celite pad to removethe catalyst and concentrated to a white solid,3-(4-t-butylphenyl)propanoic acid (3.07 g). 1H NMR (d6-DMSO): δ 12.2,bs, 1H (COOH); δ 7.16, d, 2H, (arylH's); δ 7.01, d, 2H (aryH's); δ 2.65,t, 2H, (CH₂ α to aryl); δ 2.38, t, 2H (CH₂ α to COOH); δ 1.13, s, 9H(t-Bu). ¹³C NMR (d6-DMSO): 174, 148, 137, 127.8, 125.9, 35, 33, 31.2,29.5.

Example 7—Preparation of 3-(4-n-Butylphenyl)propanoic acid (Compound 7)

A 125 mL Ehrlenmayer flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar wascharged with 7.76 g (47.8 mmol) of 4-n-butylbenzaldehyde, 5.28 g (50.7mmol) of malonic acid and 2.2 mL (2.2 g, 27.2 mmol) of pyridine. Theslurry was heated to 80° C., at which temperature a clear yellowsolution formed. After stirring for 2 hr, the reaction mixture wascooled to 25° C. The resulting solid was isolated by filtration, rinsingwith water (2×30 mL) and 2:1 methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE)/hexanes (2×30mL). A total of 3.1 g of 4-n-butylcinnamic acid was isolated.

A 500 mL Parr shaker reaction vessel was charged with 3.10 g (15.2 mmol)of 4-n-butylcinnamic acid, 20 mL of ethyl acetate and 10 mL of ethanol.This mixture was treated with 0.15 g of 10% palladium on charcoal andplaced under an atmosphere of 51 psig of hydrogen gas in a Parr shakerapparatus. A total of 14 psig of hydrogen was taken up in 16 hours. Thereaction mixture was removed from the Parr shaker apparatus afterdissipating the hydrogen gas, filtered through a Celite pad to removethe catalyst and concentrated to a white solid,3-(4-n-butylphenyl)propanoic acid (3.07 g). 1H NMR (d6-DMSO): δ 12.0,bs, 1H (COOH); δ 7.00, d, 2H, (arylH's); δ 6.96, d, 2H (aryH's); δ 2.65,t, 2H, (CH₂ β to COOH); δ 2.39, m, 4H (CH₂ α to COOH and CH₂ α to aryl);δ 1.38, p, 2H (CH₂β to aryl); δ 1.16, hex, 2H (CH₂'s γ to aryl); δ 0.77,t, 3H (CH₃). ¹³C NMR (d6-DMSO): 173.79, 139.8, 137.98, 128.15, 128.03,35.30, 34.40, 33.18, 29.94, 21.72, 13.74.

Example 8—Preparation of 3-(4-n-Propylphenyl)propanoic acid (Compound 8)

A 125 mL Ehrlenmayer flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar wascharged with 7.76 g (47.8 mmol) of 4-n-propylbenzaldehyde, 5.28 g (50.7mmol) of malonic acid and 2.2 mL (2.2 g, 27.2 mmol) of pyridine. Theslurry was heated to 80° C., at which temperature a clear yellowsolution formed. After stirring for 2 hr, the reaction mixture wascooled to 25° C. The resulting solid was isolated by filtration, rinsingwith water (2×30 mL) and 2:1 methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE)/hexanes (2×30mL). A total of 3.1 g of 4-n-Propylcinnamic acid was isolated.

A 500 mL Parr shaker reaction vessel was charged with 3.10 g (15.2 mmol)of 4-n-Propylcinnamic acid, 20 mL of ethyl acetate and 10 mL of ethanol.This mixture was treated with 0.15 g of 10% palladium on charcoal andplaced under an atmosphere of 51 psig of hydrogen gas in a Parr shakerapparatus. A total of 14 psig of hydrogen was taken up in 16 hours. Thereaction mixture was removed from the Parr shaker apparatus afterdissipating the hydrogen gas, filtered through a Celite pad to removethe catalyst and concentrated to a white solid,3-(4-n-Propylphenyl)propanoic acid (3.07 g). 1H NMR (d6-DMSO): δ 12.1,bs, 1H (COOH); δ 7.09, d, 2H, (arylH's); δ 7.05, d, 2H (arylH's); δ2.75, t, 2H, (CH₂ β to COOH); δ 2.47, m, 4H (CH₂ α to COOH and CH₂ α toaryl); δ 1.52, hex, 2H (CH₂ β to aryl); δ 0.85, t, 3H (CH₃). ¹³C NMR(d6-DMSO): 173.76, 139.64, 138.01, 128.20, 128.02, 36.86, 35.28, 29.93,24.11, 13.63.

Example 9—Preparation of 3-(4-n-Propoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (Compound9)

A 125 mL Ehrlenmayer flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar wascharged with 7.76 g (47.8 mmol) of 4-n-Propoxybenzaldehyde, 5.28 g (50.7mmol) of malonic acid and 2.2 mL (2.2 g, 27.2 mmol) of pyridine. Theslurry was heated to 80° C., at which temperature a clear yellowsolution formed. After stirring for 2 hr, the reaction mixture wascooled to 25° C. The resulting solid was isolated by filtration, rinsingwith water (2×30 mL) and 2:1 methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE)/hexanes (2×30mL). A total of 3.1 g of 4-n-Propoxycinnamic acid was isolated.

A 500 mL Parr shaker reaction vessel was charged with 3.10 g (15.2 mmol)of 4-t-butylcinnamic acid, 20 mL of ethyl acetate and 10 mL of ethanol.This mixture was treated with 0.15 g of 10% palladium on charcoal andplaced under an atmosphere of 51 psig of hydrogen gas in a Parr shakerapparatus. A total of 14 psig of hydrogen was taken up in 16 hours. Thereaction mixture was removed from the Parr shaker apparatus afterdissipating the hydrogen gas, filtered through a Celite pad to removethe catalyst and concentrated to a white solid,3-(4-n-Propoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (3.07 g). 1H NMR (d6-DMSO): δ 12.0,bs, 1H (COOH); δ 7.00, d, 2H, (arylH's meta to O); δ 6.70, d, 2H(arylH's ortho to O); δ 3.76, t, 2H, (OCH₂); δ 2.63, t, 2H, (CH₂ α toaryl); δ 2.37, t, 2H (CH₂ α to COOH); δ 1.59, hex, 2H (CH₂ β to O); δ0.85, t, 3H (CH₃). ¹³C NMR (d6-DMSO): 173.76, 156.97, 132.59, 129.13,114.22, 68.81, 35.55, 29.48, 22.05, 10.38.

Example 10—Preparation of 3-(4-Isopropoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (Compound10)

A 125 mL Ehrlenmayer flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar wascharged with 7.76 g (47.8 mmol) of 4-Isopropoxybenzaldehyde, 5.28 g(50.7 mmol) of malonic acid and 2.2 mL (2.2 g, 27.2 mmol) of pyridine.The slurry was heated to 80° C., at which temperature a clear yellowsolution formed. After stirring for 2 hr, the reaction mixture wascooled to 25° C. The resulting solid was isolated by filtration, rinsingwith water (2×30 mL) and 2:1 methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE)/hexanes (2×30mL). A total of 3.1 g of 4-Isopropoxycinnamic acid was isolated.

A 500 mL Parr shaker reaction vessel was charged with 3.10 g (15.2 mmol)of 4-t-butylcinnamic acid, 20 mL of ethyl acetate and 10 mL of ethanol.This mixture was treated with 0.15 g of 10% palladium on charcoal andplaced under an atmosphere of 51 psig of hydrogen gas in a Parr shakerapparatus. A total of 14 psig of hydrogen was taken up in 16 hours. Thereaction mixture was removed from the Parr shaker apparatus afterdissipating the hydrogen gas, filtered through a Celite pad to removethe catalyst and concentrated to a white solid,3-(4-4-Isopropoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (3.07 g). 1H NMR (d6-DMSO): δ12.0, bs, 1H (COOH); δ 7.00, d, 2H, (arylH's meta to O); δ 6.70, d, 2H(arylH's ortho to O); δ 4.43, hept, 1H, (OCH); δ 2.63, t, 2H, (CH₂ α toaryl); δ 2.38, t, 2H (CH₂ α to COOH); δ 1.13, d, 6H (CH₃'s). ¹³C NMR(d6-DMSO): 173.78, 155.69, 132.50, 129.18, 115.44, 68.98, 35.50, 29.47,21.85.

Example 11—Preparation of 3-(4-n-Butoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (Compound11)

A 125 mL Ehrlenmayer flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar wascharged with 7.76 g (47.8 mmol) of 4-n-Butoxybenzaldehyde, 5.28 g (50.7mmol) of malonic acid and 2.2 mL (2.2 g, 27.2 mmol) of pyridine. Theslurry was heated to 80° C., at which temperature a clear yellowsolution formed. After stirring for 2 hr, the reaction mixture wascooled to 25° C. The resulting solid was isolated by filtration, rinsingwith water (2×30 mL) and 2:1 methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE)/hexanes (2×30mL). A total of 3.1 g of 4-n-Butoxycinnamic acid was isolated.

A 500 mL Parr shaker reaction vessel was charged with 3.10 g (15.2 mmol)of 4-n-Butoxycinnamic acid, 20 mL of ethyl acetate and 10 mL of ethanol.This mixture was treated with 0.15 g of 10% palladium on charcoal andplaced under an atmosphere of 51 psig of hydrogen gas in a Parr shakerapparatus. A total of 14 psig of hydrogen was taken up in 16 hours. Thereaction mixture was removed from the Parr shaker apparatus afterdissipating the hydrogen gas, filtered through a Celite pad to removethe catalyst and concentrated to a white solid,3-(4-n-Butoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (3.07 g). 1H NMR (d6-DMSO): δ 12.0,bs, 1H (COOH); δ 7.00, d, 2H, (arylH's meta to O); δ 6.70, d, 2H(arylH's ortho to O); δ 3.79, t, 2H, (OCH₂); δ 2.62, t, 2H, (CH₂ α toaryl); δ 2.35, t, 2H (CH₂ α to COOH); δ 1.55, p, 2H (CH₂ β to O); δ1.30, hex, 2H (CH₂ β to COOH); δ 0.80, t, 3H (CH₃). ¹³C NMR (d6-DMSO):173.77, 156.98, 132.58, 129.12, 114.21, 66.98, 35.56, 30.77, 29.48,18.73, 13.67.

Example 12—Preparation of 3-(3-Phenoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (Compound12)

A 125 mL Ehrlenmayer flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar wascharged with 7.76 g (47.8 mmol) of 3-Phenoxybenzaldehyde, 5.28 g (50.7mmol) of malonic acid and 2.2 mL (2.2 g, 27.2 mmol) of pyridine. Theslurry was heated to 80° C., at which temperature a clear yellowsolution formed. After stirring for 2 hr, the reaction mixture wascooled to 25° C. The resulting solid was isolated by filtration, rinsingwith water (2×30 mL) and 2:1 methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE)/hexanes (2×30mL). A total of 3.1 g of 3-Phenoxycinnamic acid was isolated.

A 500 mL Parr shaker reaction vessel was charged with 3.10 g (15.2 mmol)of 3-Phenoxycinnamic acid, 20 mL of ethyl acetate and 10 mL of ethanol.This mixture was treated with 0.15 g of 10% palladium on charcoal andplaced under an atmosphere of 51 psig of hydrogen gas in a Parr shakerapparatus. A total of 14 psig of hydrogen was taken up in 16 hours. Thereaction mixture was removed from the Parr shaker apparatus afterdissipating the hydrogen gas, filtered through a Celite pad to removethe catalyst and concentrated to a white solid,3-(3-Phenoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (3.07 g). 1H NMR (d6-DMSO): δ 12.1,bs, 1H (COOH); δ 7.37, t, 2H, (arylH's meta to O on unsubstitutedphenyl); δ 7.27, t, 1H, (arylH meta to O on substituted phenyl); δ 7.12,t, 1H, (arylH para to O on unsubstituted phenyl); δ 6.99, m, 3H(arlyH's); δ 6.89, s, 1H (arylH ortho to both O and CH₂); δ 6.79, dd, 1H(arylH's ortho to O on substituted phenyl); δ 2.79, t, 2H, (CH₂ α toaryl); δ 2.51, t, 2H (CH₂ α to COOH). ¹³C NMR (d6-DMSO): 173.62, 156.65,156.49, 143.22, 129.97, 129.80, 123.41, 123.27, 118.61, 118.44, 116.13,34.98, 30.10.

Example 13—Preparation of 3-(3-Ethoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (Compound 13)

A 75 mL mini-block tube equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar was chargedwith 6.16 g (50.4 mmol) of 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4.40 mL (8.58 g, 55.0mmol) of ethyl iodide 30 mL of dimethylformamide and 6.05 g (57.1 mmol)of sodium carbonate. The slurry was heated to 50° C.

After 40 hours the reaction was only 50% complete so another 3 ml (5.85g, 37.4 mmol) ethyl iodide was added. After 60 more hours another 3 mL(5.85 g, 37.4 mmol) ethyl iodide and 3 g (28.5 mmol) of sodium carbonatewere added. The reaction mixture was cooled to 25° C. and diluted withmethyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) and water. The organic layer was decantedoff. The aqueous phase was rinsed with MTBE, again decanting off theorganic layer. The combined organic layers were washed with 2N aqueoussodium hydroxide (3×30 mL) and brine (1×30 mL), dried over sodiumsulfate and concentrated to give 3-ethoxybenzaldehyde which was used as(following the above procedure for 3-(4-t-butylphenyl)propanoic acid(Example 6) to prepare 3-(3-ethoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (1.31 g) as anoff-white solid. 1H NMR (d6-DMSO): δ 12.0, bs, 1H (COOH); δ 7.04, t, 1H,(arylH meta to OEt); δ 6.6, m, 3H (other arylH's); δ 3.85, q, 2H,(OCH₂); 2.65, t, 2H, (CH₂ α to aryl); δ 2.39, t, 2H (CH₂ α to COOH); δ1.18, t, 3H (CH₃). ¹³C NMR (d6-DMSO): 173.73, 158.49, 142.41, 129.25,120.30, 114.40, 111.79, 62.72, 35.12, 30.35, 14.66.

Example 14—Preparation of 3-(3-Isopropoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (Compound14)

A 75 mL mini-block tube equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar was chargedwith 6.16 g (50.4 mmol) of 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4.40 mL (8.58 g, 55.0mmol) of isopropyl iodide 30 mL of dimethylformamide and 6.05 g (57.1mmol) of sodium carbonate. The slurry was heated to 50° C.

After 40 hours the reaction was only 50% complete so another 3 ml (5.85g, 37.4 mmol) isopropyl iodide was added. After 60 more hours another 3mL (5.85 g, 37.4 mmol) isopropyl iodide and 3 g (28.5 mmol) of sodiumcarbonate were added. The reaction mixture was cooled to 25° C. anddiluted with methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) and water. The organic layerwas decanted off. The aqueous phase was rinsed with MTBE, againdecanting off the organic layer. The combined organic layers were washedwith 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide (3×30 mL) and brine (1×30 mL), driedover sodium sulfate and concentrated to give 3-Isopropoxybenzaldehydewhich was used as (following the above procedure for3-(4-t-butylphenyl)propanoic acid (Example 6) to prepare3-(3-Isopropoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (1.31 g) as an off-white solid. 1HNMR (d6-DMSO): δ 12.0, bs, 1H (COOH); δ 7.03, t, 1H, (arylH meta toO-i-Pr); δ 6.6, m, 3H (other arylH's); δ 4.45, hept, 1H, (OCH); 2.65, t,2H, (CH₂ α to aryl); δ 2.38, t, 2H (CH₂ α to COOH); δ 1.12, d, 6H(CH₃'s). ¹³C NMR (d6-DMSO): 173.70, 157.40, 142.46, 129.26, 120.17,115.54, 112.93, 68.77, 35.09, 30.31, 21.84.

Example 15—Preparation of 3-(3-n-Butoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (Compound15)

A 75 mL mini-block tube equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar was chargedwith 6.16 g (50.4 mmol) of 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4.40 mL (8.58 g, 55.0mmol) of n-butyl iodide 30 mL of dimethylformamide and 6.05 g (57.1mmol) of sodium carbonate. The slurry was heated to 50° C.

After 40 hours the reaction was only 50% complete so another 3 ml (5.85g, 37.4 mmol) n-butyl iodide was added. After 60 more hours another 3 mL(5.85 g, 37.4 mmol) n-butyl iodide and 3 g (28.5 mmol) of sodiumcarbonate were added. The reaction mixture was cooled to 25° C. anddiluted with methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) and water. The organic layerwas decanted off. The aqueous phase was rinsed with MTBE, againdecanting off the organic layer. The combined organic layers were washedwith 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide (3×30 mL) and brine (1×30 mL), driedover sodium sulfate and concentrated to give 3-n-Butoxybenzaldehydewhich was used as (following the above procedure for3-(4-t-Butylphenyl)propanoic acid (Example 6) to prepare3-(3-n-Butoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (1.31 g) as an off-white solid. 1HNMR (d6-DMSO): δ 12.0, bs, 1H (COOH); δ 7.04, t, 1H, (arylH meta toO-i-Pr); δ 6.6, m, 3H (other aryH's); δ 3.82, t, 2H, (OCH₂); 2.65, t,2H, (CH₂ α to aryl); δ 2.38, t, 2H (CH₂ α to COOH); δ 1.56, p, 2H (CH₂ βto O); δ 1.30, hex, 2H (CH₂ β to COOH); δ 0.81, t, 3H (CH₃). ¹³C NMR(d6-DMSO): 173.75, 158.69, 142.44, 129.23, 120.28, 114.40, 111.84,66.87, 35.15, 30.78, 30.36, 18.74, 13.68.

Example 16—Preparation of 3-(3-n-Propoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (Compound16)

A 75 mL mini-block tube equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar was chargedwith 6.16 g (50.4 mmol) of 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4.40 mL (8.58 g, 55.0mmol) of n-propyl iodide 30 mL of dimethylformamide and 6.05 g (57.1mmol) of sodium carbonate. The slurry was heated to 50° C.

After 40 hours the reaction was only 50% complete so another 3 ml (5.85g, 37.4 mmol) n-propyl iodide was added. After 60 more hours another 3mL (5.85 g, 37.4 mmol) n-propyl iodide and 3 g (28.5 mmol) of sodiumcarbonate were added. The reaction mixture was cooled to 25° C. anddiluted with methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) and water. The organic layerwas decanted off. The aqueous phase was rinsed with MTBE, againdecanting off the organic layer. The combined organic layers were washedwith 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide (3×30 mL) and brine (1×30 mL), driedover sodium sulfate and concentrated to give 3-n-Propylbenzaldehydewhich was used as (following the above procedure for3-(4-t-butylphenyl)propanoic acid (Example 6) to prepare3-(3-n-Propylphenyl)propanoic acid (1.31 g) as an off-white solid. 1HNMR (d6-DMSO): δ 12.0, bs, 1H (COOH); δ 7.04, t, 1H, (arylH meta toO-i-Pr); δ 6.6, m, 3H (other aryH's); δ 3.77, t, 2H, (OCH₂); 2.66, t,2H, (CH₂ α to aryl); δ 2.39, t, 2H (CH₂ α to COOH); δ 1.59, hex, 2H (CH₂β to O); δ 0.85, t, 3H (CH₃). ¹³C NMR (d6-DMSO): 173.74, 158.67, 142.42,129.25, 120.29, 114.42, 111.85, 68.68, 35.12, 30.34, 22.05, 10.40.

Example 17—Preparation of 3-(3-Isobutoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (Compound17)

A 75 mL mini-block tube equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar was chargedwith 6.16 g (50.4 mmol) of 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4.40 mL (8.58 g, 55.0mmol) of isobutyl iodide 30 mL of dimethylformamide and 6.05 g (57.1mmol) of sodium carbonate. The slurry was heated to 50° C.

After 40 hours the reaction was only 50% complete so another 3 ml (5.85g, 37.4 mmol) isobutyl iodide was added. After 60 more hours another 3mL (5.85 g, 37.4 mmol) isobutyl iodide and 3 g (28.5 mmol) of sodiumcarbonate were added. The reaction mixture was cooled to 25° C. anddiluted with methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) and water. The organic layerwas decanted off. The aqueous phase was rinsed with MTBE, againdecanting off the organic layer. The combined organic layers were washedwith 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide (3×30 mL) and brine (1×30 mL), driedover sodium sulfate and concentrated to give 3-Isobutoxybenzaldehydewhich was used as (following the above procedure for3-(4-t-butylphenyl)propanoic acid (Example 6) to prepare3-(3-Isobutoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (1.31 g) as an off-white solid. 1HNMR (d6-DMSO): δ 12.0, bs, 1H (COOH); δ 7.03, t, 1H, (arylH meta toO-i-Pr); δ 6.6, m, 3H (other aryH's); δ 3.59, d, 2H, (OCH₂); 2.65, t,2H, (CH₂ α to aryl); δ 2.38, t, 2H (CH₂ α to COOH); δ 1.86, n, 1H, (CH);δ 0.84, d, 6H (CH₃'s). ¹³C NMR (d6-DMSO): 173.74, 158.78, 142.43,129.24, 120.31, 114.42, 111.92, 73.53, 35.13, 30.35, 27.71, 19.06.

Example 18—Preparation of 3-(4-Isobutoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (Compound18)

A 75 mL mini-block tube equipped with a magnetic stirrer bar was chargedwith 6.16 g (50.4 mmol) of 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4.40 mL (8.58 g, 55.0mmol) of isobutyl iodide 30 mL of dimethylformamide and 6.05 g (57.1mmol) of sodium carbonate. The slurry was heated to 50° C.

After 40 hours the reaction was only 50% complete so another 3 ml (5.85g, 37.4 mmol) isobutyl iodide was added. After 60 more hours another 3mL (5.85 g, 37.4 mmol) isobutyl iodide and 3 g (28.5 mmol) of sodiumcarbonate were added. The reaction mixture was cooled to 25° C. anddiluted with methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) and water. The organic layerwas decanted off. The aqueous phase was rinsed with MTBE, againdecanting off the organic layer. The combined organic layers were washedwith 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide (3×30 mL) and brine (1×30 mL), driedover sodium sulfate and concentrated to give 4-Isobutoxybenzaldehydewhich was used as (following the above procedure for3-(4-t-butylphenyl)propanoic acid (Example 6) to prepare3-(4-Isobutoxyphenyl)propanoic acid (1.31 g) as an off-white solid. 1HNMR (d6-DMSO): δ 12.0, bs, 1H (COOH); δ 7.00, d, 2H, (arylH's meta toO); δ 6.70, d, 2H (arylH's ortho to O); δ 3.60, d, 2H, (OCH₂); 2.65, t,2H, (CH₂ α to aryl); δ 2.38, t, 2H (CH₂ α to COOH); δ 1.89, n, 1H, (CH);δ 0.87, d, 6H (CH₃'s). ¹³C NMR (d6-DMSO): 173.76, 157.06, 132.61,129.12, 114.26, 73.67, 35.56, 29.47, 27.68, 19.04.

Example 19—Preparation of 4-(4-Ethylphenyl)butanoic acid (Compound 19)

A 250 mL 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with a thermometer and amagnetic stirring bar was charged with 4.01 g (61.3 mmol) of zinc dustand 35 mL of dimethylformamide (DMF) under a nitrogen atmosphere. Theslurry was treated with 0.56 g (2.2 mmol) of iodine. The red disappearedin 90 seconds. The reaction mixture was treated with 6.00 mL (8.18 g,42.0 mmol) of ethyl 4-bromobutyrate and heated to 80° C. for 4 hour. Thereaction mixture was cooled to 30° C. and treated with 4.98 g (21.5mmol) of 4-iodoethylbenzene and 0.48 g (0.9 mmol) ofdichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)nickel(II). The reaction mixture washeated to 45° C. for 80 hours. The cooled reaction mixture was treatedwith aqueous 4% hydrochloric acid to quench the excess zinc. The mixturewas extracted with methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) (1×60 mL). The organicphase was washed with brine (1×30 mL), dried over sodium sulfate andconcentrated. The crude ethyl 4-(4-ethylphenyl)butyrate was taken up inethanol, treated with 20 mL of 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide, and heatedto reflux. After 4 hours the reaction mixture was cooled to 25° C. andwashed with MTBE (2×30 mL). The aqueous phase was acidified with aqueous4% hydrochloric acid. A solid was isolated by filtration to give 1.99 gof 4-(4-ethylphenyl)butanoic acid. 1H NMR (d6-DMSO): δ 11.9, bs, 1H(COOH); δ 6.98, d, 2H, (arylH's); δ 6.95, d, 2H (aryH's); δ 2.41, m, 4H,(CH₂'s α to aryl); δ 2.07, t, 2H (CH₂ α to COOH); δ 1.64, m, 2H (CH₂ βto both aryl and COOH); δ 1.03, t, 3H (CH₃). ¹³C NMR (d6-DMSO): 174.23,141.08, 138.67, 128.20, 127.65, 33.97, 33.03, 27.73, 26.35, 15.65.

Example 20—Preparation of 4-(4-Isopropylphenyl)butanoic acid (Compound20)

A 250 mL 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with a thermometer and amagnetic stirring bar was charged with 4.01 g (61.3 mmol) of zinc dustand 35 mL of dimethylformamide (DMF) under a nitrogen atmosphere. Theslurry was treated with 0.56 g (2.2 mmol) of iodine. The red disappearedin 90 seconds. The reaction mixture was treated with 6.00 mL (8.18 g,42.0 mmol) of ethyl 4-bromobutyrate and heated to 80° C. for 4 hour. Thereaction mixture was cooled to 30° C. and treated with 4.98 g (21.5mmol) of 4-iodoisopropylbenzene and 0.48 g (0.9 mmol) ofdichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)nickel(II). The reaction mixture washeated to 45° C. for 80 hours. The cooled reaction mixture was treatedwith aqueous 4% hydrochloric acid to quench the excess zinc. The mixturewas extracted with methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) (1×60 mL). The organicphase was washed with brine (1×30 mL), dried over sodium sulfate andconcentrated. The crude ethyl 4-(4-Isopropylphenyl)butyrate was taken upin ethanol, treated with 20 mL of 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide, andheated to reflux. After 4 hours the reaction mixture was cooled to 25°C. and washed with MTBE (2×30 mL). The aqueous phase was acidified withaqueous 4% hydrochloric acid. A solid was isolated by filtration to give1.99 g of 4-(4-Isopropylphenyl)butanoic acid. 1H NMR (d6-DMSO): δ 11.9,bs, 1H (COOH); δ 7.01, d, 2H, (arylH's); δ 6.96, d, 2H (aryH's); δ 2.70,hept, 1H, (CH) δ 2.40, t, 2H, (CH₂ α to aryl); δ 2.07, t, 2H (CH₂ α toCOOH); δ 1.63, p, 2H (CH₂ β to both aryl and COOH); δ 1.04, d, 6H(CH₃'s). ¹³C NMR (d6-DMSO): 174.23, 145.75, 138.81, 128.18, 126.15,33.97, 33.07, 32.99, 26.33, 23.93.

Example 21—Preparation of 5-(4-Ethylphenyl)pentanoic acid (Compound 21)

A 250 mL 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with a thermometer and amagnetic stirring bar was charged with 4.01 g (61.3 mmol) of zinc dustand 35 mL of dimethylformamide (DMF) under a nitrogen atmosphere. Theslurry was treated with 0.56 g (2.2 mmol) of iodine. The red disappearedin 90 seconds. The reaction mixture was treated with 6.00 mL (8.18 g,42.0 mmol) of ethyl 4-bromopentanoate and heated to 80° C. for 4 hour.The reaction mixture was cooled to 30° C. and treated with 4.98 g (21.5mmol) of 4-iodoethylbenzene and 0.48 g (0.9 mmol) ofdichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)nickel(II). The reaction mixture washeated to 45° C. for 80 hours. The cooled reaction mixture was treatedwith aqueous 4% hydrochloric acid to quench the excess zinc. The mixturewas extracted with methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) (1×60 mL). The organicphase was washed with brine (1×30 mL), dried over sodium sulfate andconcentrated. The crude ethyl 4-(4-ethylphenyl)pentanoate was taken upin ethanol, treated with 20 mL of 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide, andheated to reflux. After 4 hours the reaction mixture was cooled to 25°C. and washed with MTBE (2×30 mL). The aqueous phase was acidified withaqueous 4% hydrochloric acid. A solid was isolated by filtration to give1.99 g of 4-(4-ethylphenyl)pentanoic acid. 1H NMR (d6-DMSO): δ 11.9, bs,1H (COOH); δ 6.98, d, 2H, (arylH's); δ 6.95, d, 2H (aryH's); δ 2.42, m,4H, (CH₂'s α to aryl); δ 2.09, t, 2H (CH₂ α to COOH); δ 1.4, m, 2H(CH₂'s β to aryl and COOH); δ 1.03, t, 3H (CH₃). ¹³C NMR (d6-DMSO):174.38, 140.90, 139.11, 128.15, 127.57, 34.39, 33.49, 30.45, 27.73,24.09, 15.66.

Example 22—Oral Delivery of Insulin to Male Sprague-Dawley Rats

Insulin stock solution (15 mg/ml) (Human zinc insulin,Calbiochem-Novabiochem Corp., La Jolla, Calif.) was prepared withdeionized water. Oral dosing compositions containing 200 mg/kg ofdelivery agent compound and 0.5 mg/kg of insulin in aqueous solutionwere prepared with the delivery agent compound shown in Table 3 below.Either the sodium salt of the delivery agent compound was used or thefree acid was converted to the sodium salt with one equivalent of sodiumhydroxide.

The dosing solution was administered to fasted male Sprague-Dawley ratsby oral gavage with an average weight of about 225-250 grams. Bloodglucose levels were then determined by glucometer (One Touch Ultra®,LifeScan, Inc.) and compared to vehicle control (1 ml/kg of water).Samples were collected prior to dosing (time 0) and at 15, 30, 45 and 60minutes after dosing. The % glucose reduction values in Table 3 arevalues found at the C minimum, and are an average % reduction withrespect to the number of times the experiment was run for each deliveryagent.

TABLE 3 Percent Change in Glucose after delivery agent & insulinadministration Insulin 200 mg/kg Delivery Agent Compound; 0.5 mg/kgInsulin Delivery Delivery Agent % Glucose Agent % Glucose CompoundReduction Compound Reduction 1 −43.6 36 −16.0 3 −6.6 37 −13.8 4 −38.3 38−54.6 5 −12.3 38 −24.0 6 −50.4 39 −63.3 6 −59.8 39 −39.5 6 −47.4 39−31.6 6 −53.1 40 −40.8 7 −8.9 41 −43.9 8 −6.2 41 −33.3 9 −30.5 42 −36.59 −25.8 43 −24.1 10 −49.4 44 −53.4 10 −61.7 44 −34.6 11 −8.5 44 −33.3 12−24.8 45 −12.2 13 −40.2 46 −12.0 14 −42.9 47 −29.2 15 −8.5 48 −2.4 16−22.1 49 −32.0 17 −12.6 50 −46.1 18 −43.6 50 −42.9 19 −31.0 51 −29.3 20−23.2 52 −18.2 21 −14.6 53 −50.6 23 −13.6 53 −35.5 25 −53.8 53 −56.9 25−45.3 54 −18.0 25 −34.2 55 −45.2 25 −20.2 55 −42.7 26 −6.6 55 −36.0 27−10.8 55 −48.4 27 −10.8 56 −21.8 28 −57.3 57 −26.5 28 −50.2 58 −40.2 28−53.7 59 −52.0 28 −53.8 59 −31.2 28 −39.2 60 −36.7 29 −22.5 61 −41.0 32−13.8 61 −20.5 33 −20.9 62 −20.5 33 −22.7 62 −26.4 34 −27.2 63 −4.5 35−18.2 63 −13 64 −45.5 69 13.1 64 −29.6 70 −5.5 65 −30.7 71 −14.1 66−19.5 72 −13.1 67 −8.6 73 −37.3 68 −36.1

1. A composition comprising: (A) at least one biologically active agent; and (B) at least one delivery agent compound represented by formula I

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n is 1-12, and R₁-R₅ are independently hydrogen, C₁-C₆, alkyl, C₂-C₄ alkenyl, halo, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, hydroxyl, C₆-C₁₄ aryloxy, or C₁-C₆ alkylhalo group.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the delivery agent is selected from 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butanoic acid, 5-(2-methoxyphenyl)pentanoic acid, 5-(3-fluorophenyl)pentanoic acid, 5-(3-methoxyphenyl)pentanoic acid, 6-(3-fluorophenyl)hexanoic acid, 3-(4-t-butylphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(4-n-butylphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(4-n-propylphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(4-n-propoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(4-isopropoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(4-n-Butoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(3-phenoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(3-ethoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(3-isopropoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(3-n-butoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(3-n-propoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(3-isobutoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(4-isobutoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 4-(4-ethylphenyl)butanoic acid, 4-(4-isopropylphenyl)butanoic acid, and 5-(4-ethylphenyl)pentanoic acid, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the delivery agent is conjugated to a polymer by a linkage group selected from the group consisting of —NHC(O)NH—, —C(O)NH—, —NHC(O)—; —OC—, —COO—, —NHC(O)O—, —OC(O)NH—, —CH₂NH—NHCH₂—, —CH₂NHC(O)O—, —OC(O)NHCH₂—, —CH₂NHCOCH₂O—, —OCH₂C(O)NHCH₂—, —NHC(O)CH₂O—, —OCH₂C(O)NH—, —NH—, —O—, and carbon-carbon bond.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the biologically active agent is a protein, polypeptide, peptide, hormone, polysaccharide, mucopolysaccharide, carbohydrate, lipid, or combination thereof.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the biologically active agent is selected from the group consisting of: argatroban, BIBN-4096BS, growth hormones, human growth hormones recombinant human growth hormones (rhGH), bovine growth hormones, porcine growth hormones, growth hormone releasing hormones, growth hormone releasing factor, glucagon, interferons, α-interferon, β-interferon, γ-interferon, interleukin-1, interleukin-2, insulin, porcine insulin, bovine insulin, human insulin, human recombinant insulin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), IGF-1, heparin, unfractionated heparin, heparinoids, dermatans, chondroitins, low molecular weight heparin, very low molecular weight heparin, ultra low molecular weight heparin, calcitonin, salmon calcitonin, eel calcitonin, human calcitonin; erythropoietin (EPO), atrial naturetic factor, antigens, monoclonal antibodies, somatostatin, protease inhibitors, adrenocorticotropin, gonadotropin releasing hormone, oxytocin, leutinizing-hormone-releasing-hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, glucocerebrosidase, thrombopoeitin, filgrastim, postaglandins, cyclosporin, vasopressin, cromolyn sodium, sodium chromoglycate, disodium chromoglycate, vancomycin, desferrioxamine (DFO), parathyroid hormone (PTH), fragments of PTH, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), antimicrobials, anti-fungal agents, vitamins; analogs, fragments, mimetics and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified derivatives of these compounds; gallium or gallium salts; glucagons; zanamivir, sumatriptan, almotriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, frovatriptan, eletriptan, caspofungin acetate, CPHPC, siRNA and any combination thereof.
 6. The composition of claim 1, further comprising at least one enzyme inhibitor.
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of delivery agent to active agent ranges from about 800:1 to about 10:1.
 11. A method of preparing pharmaceutical composition, comprising mixing at least one delivery agent compound of claim 1, and a biologically active agent.
 12. (canceled)
 13. (canceled)
 14. A dosage unit form comprising: (A) a delivery agent according to claim 1; and (B) a biologically active agent; and (C) (a) an excipient, (b) a diluent, (c) a disintegrant, (d) a lubricant, (e) a plasticizer, (f) a colorant, (g) an enzyme inhibitor (h) a dosing vehicle, or (i) any combination thereof.
 15. The dosage unit form of claim 14, wherein the biologically active agent comprises at least one protein, polypeptide, peptide, hormone, polysaccharide, mucopolysaccharide, carbohydrate, or lipid.
 16. The dosage unit form of claim 15, wherein the biologically active agent is selected from the group consisting of: argatroban, BIBN-4096BS, growth hormones, human growth hormones (hGH), recombinant human growth hormones (rhGH), bovine growth hormones, porcine growth hormones, growth hormone releasing hormones, growth hormone releasing factor, interferons, glucagon, α-interferon, β-interferon, γ-interferon, interleukin-1, interleukin-2, insulin, porcine insulin, bovine insulin, human insulin, human recombinant insulin, insulin-like growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, heparin, unfractionated heparin, heparinoids, dermatans, chondroitins, low molecular weight heparin, very low molecular weight heparin, ultra low molecular weight heparin, calcitonin, salmon calcitonin, eel calcitonin, human calcitonin; erythropoietin, atrial naturetic factor, antigens, monoclonal antibodies, somatostatin, protease inhibitors, adrenocorticotropin, gonadotropin releasing hormone, oxytocin, leutinizing-hormone-releasing-hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, glucocerebrosidase, thrombopoeitin, filgrastim, postaglandins, cyclosporin, vasopressin, cromolyn sodium, sodium chromoglycate, disodium chromoglycate, vancomycin, desferrioxamine, parathyroid hormone, fragments of PTH, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), antimicrobials, anti-fungal agents, vitamins; analogs, fragments, mimetics and polyethylene glycol-modified derivatives of these compounds; gallium or gallium salts; glucagons, zanamivir, sumatriptan, almotriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, frovatriptan, eletriptan, capsofungin acetate, CPHPC, SiRNA and any combination thereof.
 17. (canceled)
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. (canceled)
 21. (canceled)
 22. A method for administering a biologically-active agent to an animal in need of the agent, the method comprising administering orally to the animal the composition of claim
 1. 23. A method for administering a biologically-active agent to an animal in need of the agent, the method comprising administering orally to the animal the dosage unit form of claim
 14. 24. A method for administering a biologically-active agent to an animal in need of the agent, the method comprising administering to the animal the composition of claim 1 intranasally, sublingually, intraduodenally, subcutaneously, buccally, intracolonicly, rectally, vaginally, mucosally, pulmonary, transdermally, intradermally, parenterally, intravenously, intramuscularly, via the ocular system, or by traversing the blood-brain barrier.
 25. A method for administering a biologically-active agent to an animal in need of the agent, the method comprising administering to the animal the dosage unit of claim 14 intranasally, sublingually, intraduodenally, subcutaneously, buccally, intracolonicly, rectally, vaginally, mucosally, pulmonary, transdermally, intradermally, parenterally, intravenously, intramuscularly, via the ocular system, or by traversing the blood-brain barrier.
 26. A method for administering a biologically active agent comprising administering a delivery agent compound of claim 1, followed by administration of a biologically active agent.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the biologically active agent is a protein, polypeptide, peptide, hormone, polysaccharide, mucopolysaccharide, carbohydrate, or lipid.
 28. (canceled)
 29. A method for increasing the bioavailability of a biologically active agent comprising administering to an animal a composition of claim
 1. 30. A method for preparing a composition comprising mixing: (A) at least one active agent; (B) at least one delivery agent compound of claim 1; (C) optionally, an enzyme inhibitor; and (D) optionally, a dosing vehicle.
 31. A compound selected from the group consisting of 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butanoic acid, 5-(2-methoxyphenyl)pentanoic acid, 5-(3-fluorophenyl)pentanoic acid, 5-(3-methoxyphenyl)pentanoic acid, 6-(3-fluorophenyl)hexanoic acid, 3-(4-t-butylphenyl) propanoic acid, 3-(4-n-butylphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(4-n-propylphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(4-n-propoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(4-isopropoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(4-n-butoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(3-phenoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(3-ethoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(3-isopropoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(3-n-butoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(3-n-propoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(3-isobutoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(4-isobutoxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 4-(4-ethylphenyl)butanoic acid, 4-(4-isopropylphenyl)butanoic acid, and 5-(4-ethylphenyl)pentanoic acid, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 